Gum Disease & Periodontal Care
Arestin:
Arestin: Fighting infection where it starts
You may have heard about gum disease, also known as "periodontitis" or "periodontal disease." Maybe a dental professional or hygienist recently told you that you have this infection.
But do you really know the difference between periodontal disease and other types of complications that can affect your mouth, such as gingivitis?
Do you know why it's so important to treat periodontal disease-and why brushing and flossing alone won't do the trick?
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Or that, although a causal relationship between periodontal disease and an elevated risk for systemic events has not been established, recent data suggest a possible association between periodontal disease and other health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low birth-weight babies?
Fight infection right where it starts
ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) Microspheres, 1 mg is an effective antibiotic treatment that comes in powder form. This powder is placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after the dental professional finishes the scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure.
Biopsy:
A biopsy removes tissue for laboratory examination and can help diagnose oral cancer or other conditions. A suspicious oral lesion needs prompt assessment and, when indicated, a tissue biopsy or specialist referral. Brush-based tests may provide additional information but do not replace a definitive biopsy when one is needed.
Crown Lengthening:
Decay or a fracture may extend below the gumline and leave too little exposed tooth for a restoration. Crown lengthening can expose additional tooth structure by reshaping gum tissue and sometimes bone. It is one option, rather than the only option; suitability depends on the tooth, supporting tissues, and alternatives.
Occlusal Adjustment:
An occlusal adjustment changes selected biting surfaces and may be appropriate for a specific problem, such as a high filling, after examination. It permanently removes tooth or restorative material. Grinding, jaw soreness, or TMD should not automatically be treated by reshaping the bite; evidence does not support routine irreversible bite changes as a TMD treatment. Ask about the diagnosis, conservative options, and the benefits and risks before proceeding.
Periodontal Splinting:
Loose teeth are uncomfortable, especially when you try to eat food or chew gum. The feeling of the tooth pulling away from the gum is enough to send chills down your spine. It seems like an eternity, waiting for either the tooth to become loose enough to be extracted or strong enough to no longer be a problem.
Teeth become loose because of lost gum tissue, injury, orthodontic treatment, or pressure caused by tooth misalignment. A technique called periodontal splinting attaches weak teeth together, turning them into a single unit that is stable and stronger than the single teeth by themselves. The procedure is most commonly performed on the front teeth. The procedure is as simple as using composite material to attach, or splint, the loose teeth to the adjoining stable teeth. Tooth splinting is a common procedure that has gained popularity due to its effectiveness.
Life is too short to live with loose teeth.
Contact our office today for a consultation.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease:
Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria. Buildup can cause gingivitis and can harden into tartar, which requires professional removal. Some patients develop periodontitis, involving loss of supporting tissue and bone. Disease may progress with little pain, so regular assessment is important. Gum disease is associated with certain systemic conditions, but these associations do not mean it universally weakens the immune system or directly causes those illnesses.
Scaling and Root Planing:
Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and effective home care. If periodontitis develops, scaling and root planing may be recommended to remove plaque, tartar, and deposits from below the gumline and along root surfaces. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort, and treatment may be completed in stages. Follow-up assessment and ongoing periodontal maintenance are important; progression is not inevitable in every person with gingivitis.